A local court has extended the judicial custody of an accused till February 20 in connection with gang rape case during riots here in September last year.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Narender Kumar on Thursday extended the judicial custody of the Vedpal up to February 20 here.

According to prosecution, Vedpal who was among 22 people issued non-bailable warrant for their alleged involvement in five incidents of gang-rape during Muzaffarnagar riots was arrested on January 24 at Phugana village in the district.

After his arrest Vedpal was sent to 14 days judicial custody which ended on Thursday.

Six cases of gang rape were registered against 27 people during riots in which 22 people were found involved. While Vedpal was arrested, 21 others are absconding and attachment proceedings against them have been initiated by the court.

Over 60 persons were killed and more than 40,000 displaced in communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in September last year.